"This is quite a night for us – and for me, especially – because this has been two-and-a-half years in the making," John told the crowd early in the night.

A brand-new stage set found Elton and his six-piece backing band performing in front of a massive video screen framed with images celebrating his many career accomplishments. The screen wasn't used for nostalgia at first, however, but instead to present short, colorful original films of city life.

As the evening moved past the halfway point, John began to commemorate various aspects of his past, displaying videos and photos chronicling his decades of activism during 1995's "Believe," and his many career accomplishments during "I'm Still Standing."

Fans with homemade Elton-related costumes were highlighted during "Crocodile Rock," and a series of photos spanning from his childhood to the present day served as the backdrop to the set closing "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

"I’ve had the most wonderful time, making records, touring, playing with the band," John said near the end of the show. "It’s been an incredible journey, and one that I’ve enjoyed so much."

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour next moves on to a sold-out two-night stand in Philadelphia Sept. 11 and 12. No final date has been set for the trek, which is expected to last into 2021.